Monday, August 31, 2009
Bulletins!
There are now copies of the Bulletin for the Extraordinary Form available in the vestibule. Please pick up a copy and take it home with you each Sunday!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Assumption Mass
On August 15th, St. Agnes Cathedral will have a 9 AM High Mass for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mass IX will be sung. This is the earliest time the Extraordinary Form has been celebrated since the liturgical reforms. Please come and show your support!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Re-Conquest of the West Through Music
The Holy Father has a passion for music. He has called more than once for a re-taking of the West through the Sacred Liturgy. An integral part of this plan then, must necessarily include music. The music especially suited to the venerable Roman Liturgy is Gregorian Chant. Unfortunately, since the Second Vatican Council, Gregorian Chant has seen a great decline in the Ozarks. It is with great joy then that I announce initial steps to reclaim the territory lost by greatly expanding the use of Gregorian Chant at the Extraordinary Form Mass at the Cathedral in Springfield. At present, Mass VIII is the current "chant setting" which is ordinarily used for Holy Mass. Working with the choir much over the next few weeks, I hope to make Masses II, IV, IX, XI and XVI and the Requiem Mass a regular part of the Liturgy at St. Agnes. Included in this push for more chant will also be Credo I and a reappearance of Credo V that we saw for Father Orthel's first High Mass as well as many obscure and all but forgotten chant pieces. This will take sometime, but with the grace of God will be in full swing by January of next year. On the blog I will begin to post some different chants of the Masses so that the faithful may raise their voices to God with the schola and choir. Mass XI and IX will soon be heard, and God willing and Mary interceding will then become a regular part of the chants known by the community.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament occurs in the Chapel now before Sunday Mass in the Extraordinary Form at the Cathedral. Come adore our Eucharistic Lord from 2-2:45 PM with us!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
K of C Dinner
This Sunday after Mass, the Knights of Columbus from St. Agnes will be offering a meal after our Mass. The rate is six dollars per person and twenty dollars for a family. Please bring your appetites on Sunday and meet together with us and Father after Mass! We need a strong showing for the continued offering of events to our community.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
High Masses Now the Norm
For Sunday's and Holyday's at St. Agnes according to the Extraordinary Form, congregants will be treated to a Sung Mass as the normative form for these occasions. If Father is unable to sing the parts of the Mass due to illness, a Low (recited) Mass will be offered that day. Come with your prepared voices from now on!
Also: If you do not have an email address on file with the community please submit one as soon as possible as this will become the normative means for the distribution of hymns until hymnals are purchased.
Also: If you do not have an email address on file with the community please submit one as soon as possible as this will become the normative means for the distribution of hymns until hymnals are purchased.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Motu Proprio
The Holy Father will soon released another Motu Proprio concerning the Traditional Latin Mass. It is rumored by Andrea Tornielli that this Motu Proprio will announce the expected absorbtion of the Pontifical Comission Ecclesia Dei into the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Prayers for Father
Father Orthel, our priest here in Springfield will be on retreat all this week to learn to offer High Mass. This is a wonderful step forward for the Extraordinary Form in Springfield. Please keep Father in your prayers during this time. Thank you!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Corpus Christi Mass Plan
Mass Plan
Corpus Christi
Entrance: Praise to the Lord – Congregation, Schola, and Choir
Asperges: Sprinkling Exorcism Rite – Congregation, Schola and Choir
Introit: Cibavit Eos – Schola (Liber Usualis)
Kyrie: Mass II – Choir
Gloria: Mass VIII – Schola and Choir/Congregation alternate
Gradual: Occuli Omnium - Schola (Rossini)
Alleluia: Caro Mea - Schola (Liber Usualis)
Sequence: Lauda Sion - Schola (Liber Usualis)
Creed: Credo V – Schola and Choir
Offertory Verse: Sacerdotes Domini – Schola (Rossini)
Offertory Hymn: O Sacrum Convivium - Choir
Sanctus: Mass VIII – Schola, Choir and Congregation (schola intones)
Post Consecration: Adoramus Te Panem Coelitum - Choir
Agnus Dei: Mass VIII – Schola, Choir and Congregation (schola intones)
Communion Verse: Quotiescumque manducabitis – Schola (Liber Usualis)
Communion Hymn 1: Panis Angelicus – Mike and Chris (Duet)
Corpus Christi
Entrance: Praise to the Lord – Congregation, Schola, and Choir
Asperges: Sprinkling Exorcism Rite – Congregation, Schola and Choir
Introit: Cibavit Eos – Schola (Liber Usualis)
Kyrie: Mass II – Choir
Gloria: Mass VIII – Schola and Choir/Congregation alternate
Gradual: Occuli Omnium - Schola (Rossini)
Alleluia: Caro Mea - Schola (Liber Usualis)
Sequence: Lauda Sion - Schola (Liber Usualis)
Creed: Credo V – Schola and Choir
Offertory Verse: Sacerdotes Domini – Schola (Rossini)
Offertory Hymn: O Sacrum Convivium - Choir
Sanctus: Mass VIII – Schola, Choir and Congregation (schola intones)
Post Consecration: Adoramus Te Panem Coelitum - Choir
Agnus Dei: Mass VIII – Schola, Choir and Congregation (schola intones)
Communion Verse: Quotiescumque manducabitis – Schola (Liber Usualis)
Communion Hymn 1: Panis Angelicus – Mike and Chris (Duet)
Communion Hymn 2: Adoro Te Devote (if needed) Schola, Choir and Congregation
Communion Hymn 3: Tantum Ergo (Spanish melody) – Schola and Choir
After Prayers for Conversion of Russia – Salve Regina (simple tone)
Recessional: O Sacrament Most Holy – Schola, Choir, Congregation
Hymns for the Corpus Christi Procession and Benediction that follow Mass TBA
Concluding Hymn: Holy God We Praise Thy Name - Schola, Choir and Congregation
Communion Hymn 3: Tantum Ergo (Spanish melody) – Schola and Choir
After Prayers for Conversion of Russia – Salve Regina (simple tone)
Recessional: O Sacrament Most Holy – Schola, Choir, Congregation
Hymns for the Corpus Christi Procession and Benediction that follow Mass TBA
Concluding Hymn: Holy God We Praise Thy Name - Schola, Choir and Congregation
Note: Credo V is rarely heard anywhere. The schola and choir will sing this setting of the Creed as a special treat for Fr. Orthel's first High Mass
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Pro Multis in Hungary!
It is with utmost joy that I am able to report that as of Pentecost Sunday, all Masses said in Hungarian will have the words "for many" used in the Consecration of the wine and not the current and erroneous "for all". This is something that we hope to see soon copied all over the world. We cannot pray for this to come soon enough. DEO GRATIAS!
Monday, May 25, 2009
High Masses
The latest developments have High Masses at St. Agnes resuming not the first Sunday in June, as initially reported, but rather the second Sunday in June with Father Orthel's first High Mass on the External Solemnity of Corpus Christi. There is still plenty of time to secure this date on your friends calendars. Invite everyone!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Wear Black!
I urge all of you to wear black today in protest of the events to take place at Notre Dame today. A simple peaceful gesture like this will go a long way in showing solidarity around the country with others who feel today's events are a tragedy.
Friday, May 15, 2009
EWTN Announces its first Traditional Pontifical Mass
Wednesday, July 1, 7 am CST - Latin Pontifical High Mass (Extraordinary Form) at the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, Hanceville, AL with the Most Reverend Joseph N. Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago. (televised)
His Excellency will be assisted by the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius.
Mother Angelica deserves this treat! Tune in on July 1 to get a glimpse of Heaven!
His Excellency will be assisted by the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius.
Mother Angelica deserves this treat! Tune in on July 1 to get a glimpse of Heaven!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Altar Server Practice
With High Masses beginning in the month of June, the servers need to get together a reasonable amount of times between now and then to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Please email me if Saturday will be a problem for you. The time will be announced soon.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
MAJOR Liturgical Announcement
Beginning Sunday June 7th, the normative form for the offering of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite at St. Agnes on Sunday's and Holy Day's (and a few other days here and there!!) will be a "sung" High Mass. Father Orthel's first "sung" High Mass will be Sunday June 14th. It will be followed by a procession with the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of Springfield. Details on the procession are still being worked out. If you have been sitting on the fence about attending the Extraordinary Form, June 14th is the time to make the trip to St. Agnes at 3 PM.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Regarding H1N1 Swine Flu
For those who visit the blog and attend the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite, it is important to remember that a Bishop or priest might strongly recommend that Holy Communion be received in the hand but cannot forbid the receiving of Holy Communion on the tongue. Kudos to Father Z @ www.wdtprs.com for this clarification.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Jubilee Celebration
I have returned from my trip to the Latin Mass Community in Cherokee Village to this wonderful news waiting for me at the blog, coming to us from Una Voce Philadelphia:
PHILADELPHIA, PA, May, 1, A priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Father Daniel J. Kehoe, age 96, will celebrate his 70th jubilee as a priest for the Archdiocese. After studying at St Charles Seminary, he was ordained by Dennis Cardinal Dougherty on June 3, 1939, and is the only surviving member of his ordination class. Father served as associate pastor, teacher and principal at three archdiocesan high schools, and as Pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Sharon Hill, PA, where he is now Pastor Emeritus. He is the oldest active priest still in service. On a bi-weekly basis, Fr Kehoe has been offering the Extraordinary Form of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Philadelphia, still driving the 20 some miles between the two churches, A most saintly, modest priest, Father shows his evident love for the ancient form by the deep reverence and evident piety of his celebrations and the profound wisdom of his sermons. Father likes to recall that, when he was born St Pius X was the reigning pope, and that his life has spanned nine pontificates.
This is an occasion to rejoice over a vast lifetime of priestly service to God and the Church. Let us pray for Father Kehoe and for all dedicated holy priests. Ad multos annos!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Rumor Mill: Pope to Make Expected Appointment
The Catholic internet world is abuzz that Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith, Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments will be named Archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. This is wonderful news for catholics there and a terrible loss for the CDWDS. Archbishop Ranjith is another in the curia who is very sympathetic to the traditions and customs of Holy Mother Church and has his eyes zeroed in on the excess of the liturgical reform. Colombo was a See that had a Cardinal once upon a time, and that is also the "buzz", that the Holy Father in this move is looking to stack the deck further for the conclave to elect his successor.
Ascension Thursday
Father Bill Hodgson, pastor of St. Ann's located at 1156 Grand Ave Carthage, MO, has announced that on Ascension Thursday the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite will be offered at 7 PM.
The Cathedral schedule for the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite on Ascension Thursday has yet to be announced.
The Cathedral schedule for the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite on Ascension Thursday has yet to be announced.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The "Catholic Knight" Contacts Blog Administrator For Interview
As a result of this blogs sudden jolt in readership, the "Catholic Knight" @ http://catholicknight.blogspot.com/ has requested an interview with me as the blog administator of www.molatinmass.com. This interview will be done early next week and will be posted here on this blog.
Another Spiritual Link
I have another link ready for those seeking to grow in holiness. The Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate are a wonderful traditional Order. There is even a friar from our show-me state who attends the Extraordinary Form at the Cathedral here sometimes. This sermons on this site are not for those who are NOT looking to be edified!
Bookmark airmaria! And this site also if you haven't already!
Watch "Catholics" Online!
I blogged recently about the movie "Catholics" starring Martin Sheen. It came out in 1973 and focuses around the survival of the Traditional Latin Mass in a time of mass apostasy. I highly recommend it to all! It is viewed in clips. Once the first clip is over that I linked to, simply click the clip to its right in the picture boxes below.
http://www.blinkbox.com/Movies/203/Catholics
ENJOY!
UPDATE: Apparently if you simply wait a few moments after the linked clip ends it proceeds to the next clip and so on!
http://www.blinkbox.com/Movies/203/Catholics
ENJOY!
UPDATE: Apparently if you simply wait a few moments after the linked clip ends it proceeds to the next clip and so on!
Reminder: Ongoing Prayer Request
Please in your kindness pray for Philip Gerard Johnson who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. This has not stopped Mr. Johnson from pursuing a vocation to the priesthood. The intercession of Father Thomas Frederick Price is being sought.
Also please remember Antonio Cardinal Canizares Llovera in your prayers. His Eminence is the Prefect for the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments. His Eminence understands, sympathizes, and promotes the traditions of the Church. He was rushed to the hospital with an issue of the veins.
Thank You!
Prayer for the Restoration of the "Tridentine" Mass
Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that through the intercession of St. Joseph, the peace, order and beauty of the Tridentine Latin Mass may be restored to our churches. Amen.
Taken from http://www.unavoce.org/
If you lack influence, time, or the energy to be involved actively in the restoration of the Tridentine Mass then with your rosary perhaps you will accomplish more than those on the "front lines".
In charity to future generations please pray this prayer provided above frequently.
Taken from http://www.unavoce.org/
If you lack influence, time, or the energy to be involved actively in the restoration of the Tridentine Mass then with your rosary perhaps you will accomplish more than those on the "front lines".
In charity to future generations please pray this prayer provided above frequently.
Missouri Blog Hits
I have noticed a number of "hits" to the blog from areas in Missouri not too terribly far from the Cathedral. This is a general note to anyone unable to attend the Extraordinary Form of the Mass for financial reasons to email me. Of particular interest to me are the hits we are getting from Joplin.
Message From The Blogger
You may have noticed that some things have changed recently. For starters the blog has a higher profile on the Internet with a greater amount of traffic. Second, you might have noticed a name change. The title of the blog is now the "Latin Mass Community of SPRINGFIELD Missouri." My reason for the name change is as follows....While there have been some efforts to expand the use of the Extraordinary Form mass to other cities within the diocese, news from those areas has been scarce reaching this blog, while simultaneously, news concerning the Extraordinary Form mass in Springfield has been increasing at an exponential rate. That being said, it has become apparent to me that the title of the blog should be more local, as the hub for the Extraordinary Form mass in this region has been centered at the cathedral in Springfield Missouri. As a footnote to this, I would like to add that this blog will continue to post any pertinent information in the surrounding areas as it becomes available.
Finally I would like to announce that Mike Kramer is now the blog administrator. I will continue to stay on as the blog owner, to keep up on blog maintenance and domain registration. I am considering the possibility of buying a new domain name for the blog as well, but I have yet to determine availability and cost. I am open to suggestions of possible domain names in the comments section below. Remember, the key to a good domain name is keeping it short and easy to remember.
Reminder: Other Priests
Sometimes we sit or rest easy, knowing that on Sunday, we will get up and get ready and go and attend an Extraordinary Form Mass and have everything liturgically we could possibly ask for. It's truly wonderful to be in that situation. But what about those who aren't? Countless people around the world still can't attend the Extraordinary Form Mass even though they want to. There is undoubtedly a large number of priests sitting on their hands about saying the Extraordinary Form, still because of some fear of the chancery or related fear. In your kindness please pray for both of these groups. While many of us now sit comfortably, for those without the Extraordinary Form they still experience what we went through for years and even decades. Don't forget them in your prayers!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Choir Help
I have been asked to MC a High Mass in Cherokee Village, AR for the First Friday Mass in May. Please contact me if you are interested in preparing some hymns in my absence from First Friday Mass in Springfield. Marian Hymns are appropriate.
Where Are You?
I am amazed at the visitor list today....
Ozark Missouri
131
Ozark
Missouri
United States
66
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MASSACHUSETTS
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17
New York
New York
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8
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8
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8
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7
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6
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6
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5
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5
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4
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4
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3
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2
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2
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2
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
Martinsville
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
Singapore
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
Spartanburg
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1
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1
Armonk
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1
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1
Newark
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1
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1
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1
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1
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Urgent Prayer Request
In your kindness please pray for a friend of mine, Philip Gerard Johnson. He is a prespective seminarian for the Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina. He is very orthodox and loves the Traditional Latin Mass. He was recently diagnosed with brian cancer. We need to storm Heaven for a miracle. The intercession of Fr. Thomas Frederick Price is being sought. Thank you!
Catholics/The Conflict
There is a little known movie out called Catholics (or "The Conflict" depending on when the particular copy was made) It came out decades ago and yet speaks very clearly to us today. Vatican Council V has occured and the Catholic world has sunk deeper into crisis of faith, with priests thinking they can be Catholic and pagan at the same time, individual confession being outlawed, etc. There remains one island where the Traditional Latin Mass is offered and people flock to attend it. Martin Sheen stars in it and yes he's bad guy. Highly recommened!
Request the May Crowning!!
Request a May Crowning of a statue of the Blessed Virgin in your parishes! Springfield, Missouri will enjoy such an event with a procession with a statue of the Blessed Virgin on Sunday May 10th at St. Agnes Cathedral preceeding the offering of the Extraordinary Form (3 PM).
From Wikipedia on the May Crowning:
May crowning is a traditional Roman Catholic ritual that occurs in the month of May of every year. In some countries, it takes place on or about May 1, however, in many United States Catholic parishes, it takes place on Mother's Day. An image or likeness of the Blessed Virgin Mary is ceremonially crowned to signify her as Queen of Heaven and the Mother of God. The practice is also maintained in the same fashion by some Anglo Catholic Anglicans.
Contents
1 Mary and the month of May
2 Crowning the icon
3 Traditional Hymns
4 External links and references
Mary and the month of May
May Altar in Ireland, work of artist Clare O Hagan
A number of traditions link the month of May to Mary. In ancient Greece, May was the month dedicated to Artemis and some people allege that the reverence for this goddess was transferred to Mary with the Christianization of Europe. Later, the Coronation of the Virgin became a popular subject in art. lala Alfonso X, king of Castile wrote in his "Cantigas de Santa Maria" about the special honoring of Mary during specific dates in May. Eventually, the entire month was filled with special observances and devotions to Mary. The tradition of honoring Mary in a month-long May devotion is believed to have originated in Italy, but spread eventually around the Roman Catholic world in the 19th Century together with a month-long devotion to Jesus in June and the Rosary in October.
In the Philippines, the celebration is marked with a parade called the Santacruzan, where young ladies are chosen to represent certain historical (such as St. Helena) and traditional figures, called "reynas" (examples of these titles are "Reyna Elena" and "Reyna Emperatriz"). They parade through the town, escorted by young men or boys (for example, St. Helena is escorted by a young Constantine), under mobile arches heavily decorated with local flowers or other decorations meant to denote bounty.
Crowning the icon
In Eastern churches, crowning Mary was associated with adding ornamentation to an icon of Mary, sometimes as simple as adding additional gold trim. Perhaps in homage to this, Pope Clement VIII added two crowns to the icon of Mary with the Infant Jesus in the Saint Mary Major Basilica in Rome. The crowns were eventually lost, but were replaced by Gregory XVI in 1837 in a rite that was to become the standard practice for crowning.
Today, May crownings occur in many Roman Catholic parishes and homes with the crowning of a statue of Mary. The ceremony traditionally takes place with young girls dressed in dresses carrying flowers (traditionally hawthorn) to adorn the statue. One of the girls (often the youngest) carries a crown of flowers or an actual golden crown on a cushion for placement by the May Queen (often the oldest girl) on the statue. The flowers are replaced throughout the month to keep them fresh.
The Spiritual Communion
What is a spiritual Communion?
A spiritual Communion is our reception of Our Lord Jesus Christ into our hearts at that moment when we are unable to receive Him sacramentally.
What is the value of such a practice?
Now for the surprise, in making a spiritual Communion, it is possible to receive more graces than with an actual reception of Holy Communion. How can this be? While of course the act of receiving Jesus under the Sacramental veils carries with it the possibility of enough grace to save ones soul, we are always under-preparred for such a wonderful occasion. Would that this be all that was lacking (perfection of intention) when we received Jesus in Holy Communion. Unfortunately, more often than not, we neglect preparing altogether or do not prepare sufficiently as can be done in our state in life. In this way we do not receive the full "grace potential" from a reception of the Most Blessed Sacrament. When we make a spiritual Communion however, we frequently spend a few minutes or perhaps longer in anticipation and a few minutes in thanksgiving. THE GRACES ABOUND!
I do not recall at the moment which saint said this but it has been recommended that after receiving Holy Communion, a spiritual Communion be made immeadiately so that the fire of love in your hearts does not die out as it has just received That which it longed for. This is a wonderful practice that I can personally endorse as having done wonders for my love for the Holy Eucharist.
How is a spiritual Communion made?
There is no specific or required formula for a spiritual Communion. The prayer can be made up on the spot by the person seeking the spiritual Communion. Here are a number of spiritual Communion ideas, take and mold these together or add your own bits and pieces to make it something for you! Here are three examples, the first from St. Alphonsus.
Act of Spiritual Communion by St. Alphonsus Liguori (A.D. 1696-1787)
My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all things and I desire Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though thou wert already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee; permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee.
O Immaculate Queen of Heaven and Earth, Mother of God and Mediatrix of every grace: I believe that Thy dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, is truly, really, and substantially contained in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I love Him above all things and I long to receive Him into my heart. Since I cannot now receive Him sacramentally, be so good as to place Him spiritually in my soul. O my Jesus, I embrace Thee as One who has already come, and I unite myself entirely to Thee. Never permit me to be separated from Thee.
As I cannot this day enjoy the happiness of assisting at the holy Mysteries, O my God! I transport myself in spirit at the foot of Thine altar; I unite with the Church, which by the hands of the priest, offers Thee Thine adorable Son in the Holy Sacrifice; I offer myself with Him, by Him, and in His Name. I adore, I praise, and thank Thee, imploring Thy mercy, invoking Thine assistance, and presenting Thee the homage I owe Thee as my Creator, the love due to Thee as my Savior. Apply to my soul, I beseech Thee, O merciful Jesus, Thine infinite merits; apply them also to those for whom I particularly wish to pray. I desire to communicate spiritually, that Thy Blood may purify, Thy Flesh strengthen, and Thy Spirit sanctify me. May I never forget that Thou, my divine Redeemer, hast died for me; may I die to all that is not Thee, that hereafter I may live eternally with Thee. Amen.
It is not unheard of to pray the "Lord I am not worthy" prayer once or three times as is done during Mass before the silence and contemplation after the petition to Our Lord.
A spiritual Communion is our reception of Our Lord Jesus Christ into our hearts at that moment when we are unable to receive Him sacramentally.
What is the value of such a practice?
Now for the surprise, in making a spiritual Communion, it is possible to receive more graces than with an actual reception of Holy Communion. How can this be? While of course the act of receiving Jesus under the Sacramental veils carries with it the possibility of enough grace to save ones soul, we are always under-preparred for such a wonderful occasion. Would that this be all that was lacking (perfection of intention) when we received Jesus in Holy Communion. Unfortunately, more often than not, we neglect preparing altogether or do not prepare sufficiently as can be done in our state in life. In this way we do not receive the full "grace potential" from a reception of the Most Blessed Sacrament. When we make a spiritual Communion however, we frequently spend a few minutes or perhaps longer in anticipation and a few minutes in thanksgiving. THE GRACES ABOUND!
I do not recall at the moment which saint said this but it has been recommended that after receiving Holy Communion, a spiritual Communion be made immeadiately so that the fire of love in your hearts does not die out as it has just received That which it longed for. This is a wonderful practice that I can personally endorse as having done wonders for my love for the Holy Eucharist.
How is a spiritual Communion made?
There is no specific or required formula for a spiritual Communion. The prayer can be made up on the spot by the person seeking the spiritual Communion. Here are a number of spiritual Communion ideas, take and mold these together or add your own bits and pieces to make it something for you! Here are three examples, the first from St. Alphonsus.
Act of Spiritual Communion by St. Alphonsus Liguori (A.D. 1696-1787)
My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all things and I desire Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though thou wert already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee; permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee.
O Immaculate Queen of Heaven and Earth, Mother of God and Mediatrix of every grace: I believe that Thy dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, is truly, really, and substantially contained in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I love Him above all things and I long to receive Him into my heart. Since I cannot now receive Him sacramentally, be so good as to place Him spiritually in my soul. O my Jesus, I embrace Thee as One who has already come, and I unite myself entirely to Thee. Never permit me to be separated from Thee.
As I cannot this day enjoy the happiness of assisting at the holy Mysteries, O my God! I transport myself in spirit at the foot of Thine altar; I unite with the Church, which by the hands of the priest, offers Thee Thine adorable Son in the Holy Sacrifice; I offer myself with Him, by Him, and in His Name. I adore, I praise, and thank Thee, imploring Thy mercy, invoking Thine assistance, and presenting Thee the homage I owe Thee as my Creator, the love due to Thee as my Savior. Apply to my soul, I beseech Thee, O merciful Jesus, Thine infinite merits; apply them also to those for whom I particularly wish to pray. I desire to communicate spiritually, that Thy Blood may purify, Thy Flesh strengthen, and Thy Spirit sanctify me. May I never forget that Thou, my divine Redeemer, hast died for me; may I die to all that is not Thee, that hereafter I may live eternally with Thee. Amen.
It is not unheard of to pray the "Lord I am not worthy" prayer once or three times as is done during Mass before the silence and contemplation after the petition to Our Lord.
Ask a Trad IV
Q. What reverence is given by the altar boys and priest when Mass is celebrated without the Blessed Sacrament reserved on the "altar of celebration" or behind it?
A. The priest would bow at the beginning and end of Mass, while it is common practice for the altar boys to genuflect at the beginning, end and there usual genuflections when carrying out their functions.
A. The priest would bow at the beginning and end of Mass, while it is common practice for the altar boys to genuflect at the beginning, end and there usual genuflections when carrying out their functions.
Archbishop Burke at Lourdes!
Archbishop Burke, former Archbishop of St. Louis, Missouri and current Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura celebrated a Pontifical High Mass this past Saturday. Deo Gratias! Pray for the good Archbishop!
Visit:
http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2009/04/archbishop-burke-celebrates-pontifical.html
Prayers for the Pope
V. Oremus pro Pontifice nostro Benedicto.
R. Dominus conservet eum, et vivificet eum, et beatum faciat eum in terra, et non tradat eum in animam inimicorum eius. [Ps 40:3]
Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.
Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.
Deus, omnium fidelium pastor et rector, famulum tuum Benedictum, quem pastorem Ecclesiae tuae praeesse voluisti, propitius respice: da ei, quaesumus, verbo et exemplo, quibus praeest, proficere: ut ad vitam, una cum grege sibi credito, perveniat sempiternam. Per Christum, Dominum nostrum. Amen.
V. Let us pray for Benedict, our Pope.
R. May the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies. [Ps 40:3]
Our Father
Hail Mary
O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Benedict, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fatima Prayer
The "Fatima Prayer" that we say commonly during the Rosary is well known. O My Jesus etc. But what about the other prayers of Fatima? Surprised? Yes, there are more taught by the angel to the children. They are presented here:
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I offer You the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the sacrileges, outrages and indifference by which He Himself is offended. And through the infinite merits of His most Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of you the conversion of poor sinners.
O Most Holy Trinity, I adore You! My God, my God, I love You in the most Blessed Sacrament! (3x)
My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You. I ask pardon of You for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love You. (3x)
These prayers are excellent (they came from an angel!) and in the years that have passed since the events at Fatima, they have been added to many prayer books. No need to edit these prayers ever!
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I offer You the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the sacrileges, outrages and indifference by which He Himself is offended. And through the infinite merits of His most Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of you the conversion of poor sinners.
O Most Holy Trinity, I adore You! My God, my God, I love You in the most Blessed Sacrament! (3x)
My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You. I ask pardon of You for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love You. (3x)
These prayers are excellent (they came from an angel!) and in the years that have passed since the events at Fatima, they have been added to many prayer books. No need to edit these prayers ever!
Urgent Prayer Request
If news reports are accurate, Antonio Cardinal Cañizares, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments (previously headed by Francis Cardinal Arinze, has been taken to the hospital with thrombophlebitis. Thrombophlebitis is vein inflammation coupled with a blod clot and often is present when cancer is. His Eminence is hospitalized in Rome and is in need of prayers and sacrifices to get him back on the job!
Cardinal Canizares recently
Cardinal Canizares recently
- offered a Solemn Pontifical Extraordinary Form Mass in St. John Lateran's Archbasilica
- advocated kneeling to receive Holy Communion
- ordained priests for a society that offers the Extraordinary Form Mass
- called for reforms to the Ordinary Form
Clearly we need this man in good health and on the front lines!
Quick Reference Sheet for Masses
Low Mass
- 1 or 2 altar boys
- 2 candles lit on the altar
- hymns may be sung throughout the Mass except during the Gospel and at the Consecration, 4 "spots" (Entrance, Offertory, Communion, and Recessional) is more common
- vernacular hymns are expressly permitted at any point in the Mass
- incense may not be used
- the proper and ordinary of the Mass is not sung by either the priest or the choir
High Mass
- any number of altar boys permitted
- 6 candles lit on the altar
- hymns may be sung for the 4 "spots" mentioned above, and a hymn after the Consecration is also permitted
- unless in a Country where singing in the vernacular DURING Mass is common (eg. Germany), the Offertory and Communion hymn (and the hymn after the Consecration if used) MUST be in Latin along with the Ordinary and Propers of the Mass
- The propers and ordinary must be sung by someone other than the priest
- The appointed parts to be chanted in a Solemn Mass must be chanted by the priest, with the exception of the Epistle which is not required to be sung.
Solemn High Mass
- same rules as a High Mass except the Epistle must be sung by the Subdeacon
If one Mass is said according to the rubrics as a result of this post then I am pleased. Many have sought answers to this question before so presenting here seemed like a good solution.
May Crowning
The May Crowning will be Sunday May 10th before the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass according to the Extraorinary Form. The statue of the Blessed Virgin will then be carried through the streets near the Cathedral while Marian hymns are sung. Do not miss this wonderful occasion!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Bp. James Vann Johnston assists for the first time at the Extraordinary Form in Springfield!
The Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite was offered at St. Agnes Cathedral as usual at 3 PM yesterday. There was one notable difference, the Most Reverend Bishop James Vann Johnston was in attendance "in choro". This tremendous occasion for the offering of the Extraordinary Form at the Cathedral was a great success that ended with a Q & A session after a talk given by His Excellency.
The choir debuted a number of selections for the occasion:
Entrance: Ecce Sacerdos Magnus
Offertory: Iste Confessor
Communion: Concordi Laetitia & Haec Dies
Recessional: Christus Vincit
At the reception that followed, His Excellency was presented with a work of the Holy Father and a 1962 Daily Missal. We pray that His Excellency will return and visit with us again soon.
Update: If half of those that have visited this story would pray that the time for the celebration of the Extraordinary Form change from its 3 PM timespot to a more prominent spot certainly there would be saints taking note! Please include this intention in your rosary!
The choir debuted a number of selections for the occasion:
Entrance: Ecce Sacerdos Magnus
Offertory: Iste Confessor
Communion: Concordi Laetitia & Haec Dies
Recessional: Christus Vincit
At the reception that followed, His Excellency was presented with a work of the Holy Father and a 1962 Daily Missal. We pray that His Excellency will return and visit with us again soon.
Update: If half of those that have visited this story would pray that the time for the celebration of the Extraordinary Form change from its 3 PM timespot to a more prominent spot certainly there would be saints taking note! Please include this intention in your rosary!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Extraordinary Form on EWTN
There will be a Traditional Latin Mass on EWTN Sunday sung by a priest from the FSSP: Sun 4/26/09 8:00 AM ET / 5 AM PT Mon 4/27/09 12:00 AM ET / (Sun) 9 PM PT.
Spritual Nourishment
Many who visit this blog are fortunate enough to be spiritually nourished each Sunday by Father Orthel's sermons. What about when you want more? For your car? House? Friends? If you have recently been exposed, or haven't left the Extraordinary Form since the 70's, this site below has something for you! All sermons and talks are given by priests who are faithful to the Holy Catholic Church in all matters and who take the office of preaching seriously.
http://www.audiosancto.org/
It isn't just about the Mass, its about the entirety of the Catholic Faith.
http://www.audiosancto.org/
It isn't just about the Mass, its about the entirety of the Catholic Faith.
The Holy Rosary in Latin
We hear over and over from the Popes, especially after the Second Vatican Council, that Catholics should know the basic prayers in Latin. I can think of know easier way, practically speaking, to attain this goal asked of us by the Holy Father than to recite the Holy Rosary in Latin.
Many forget that when praying the Holy Rosary, our focus should be directed towards the Mystery being prayed or meditated on, and not on the words of the prayer being said. It is easy to fall into a greater consideration of the words rather than the mystery if one is praying in a language that they understand.
So praying the Holy Rosary in Latin allows for one to learn the prayers requested by the Holy Father and also to meditate more precisely on the Mysteries of the Rosary.
Included below are the prayers to begin this practice today:
Sign of the Cross:
In nómine Pátris et FÃlii et SpÃritus Sáncti. Amen.
Apostles Creed
Credo in Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, creatorem caeli et terrae. Et in Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum, qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus et sepultus. Descendit ad inferos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis. Ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dextram Dei Patris omnipotentis. Inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. * Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen.
Our Father
Pater noster, qui es in caelis: Sanctificetur nomen tuum: Adveniat regnum tuum: Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo, et in terra. * Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie: Et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.
Hail Mary
Ave Maria, gratia plena: Dominus tecum, benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. * Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.
Glory Be
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. * Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
O My Jesus (Optional; requested by Our Lady of Fatima)
Domine Jesu, dimitte nobis debita nostra, salva nos ab igne inferni, perduc in caelum omnes animas, praesertim eas, quae misericordiae tuae maxime indigent.
Hail Holy Queen
Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae; vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevae. Ad te suspiramus gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende. O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.
V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genitrix.
R. Ut digni efficamur promissionibus Christi.
O God Whose Only Begotten Son (Optional)
Deus, cuius Unigenitus per vita, mortem et resurrectionem suam nobis salutis aeternae praemia comparavit: concede, quaesumus; ut, haec mysteria sacratissimo beatae Mariae Virginis Rosario recolentes. et imitemur quod continent, et quod promittunt, assequamur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Little children can learn this!! I've heard it with my own ears!!
**Note** Do NOT forget to pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the intentions of the Holy Father in order to gain the Rosary Indulgence (under the usual conditions). The indulgence may be applied to the your own soul or the Church Suffering.
Many forget that when praying the Holy Rosary, our focus should be directed towards the Mystery being prayed or meditated on, and not on the words of the prayer being said. It is easy to fall into a greater consideration of the words rather than the mystery if one is praying in a language that they understand.
So praying the Holy Rosary in Latin allows for one to learn the prayers requested by the Holy Father and also to meditate more precisely on the Mysteries of the Rosary.
Included below are the prayers to begin this practice today:
Sign of the Cross:
In nómine Pátris et FÃlii et SpÃritus Sáncti. Amen.
Apostles Creed
Credo in Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, creatorem caeli et terrae. Et in Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum, qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus et sepultus. Descendit ad inferos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis. Ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dextram Dei Patris omnipotentis. Inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. * Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen.
Our Father
Pater noster, qui es in caelis: Sanctificetur nomen tuum: Adveniat regnum tuum: Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo, et in terra. * Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie: Et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.
Hail Mary
Ave Maria, gratia plena: Dominus tecum, benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. * Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.
Glory Be
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. * Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
O My Jesus (Optional; requested by Our Lady of Fatima)
Domine Jesu, dimitte nobis debita nostra, salva nos ab igne inferni, perduc in caelum omnes animas, praesertim eas, quae misericordiae tuae maxime indigent.
Hail Holy Queen
Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae; vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevae. Ad te suspiramus gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende. O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.
V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genitrix.
R. Ut digni efficamur promissionibus Christi.
O God Whose Only Begotten Son (Optional)
Deus, cuius Unigenitus per vita, mortem et resurrectionem suam nobis salutis aeternae praemia comparavit: concede, quaesumus; ut, haec mysteria sacratissimo beatae Mariae Virginis Rosario recolentes. et imitemur quod continent, et quod promittunt, assequamur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Little children can learn this!! I've heard it with my own ears!!
**Note** Do NOT forget to pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the intentions of the Holy Father in order to gain the Rosary Indulgence (under the usual conditions). The indulgence may be applied to the your own soul or the Church Suffering.
Extraordinary Form Mass on May 3rd
The Extraordinary Form Mass on May 3rd will be moved from it's usual location in the "main church" to the chapel at St. Agnes. The time will remain at 3 PM for this offering of the Holy Sacrifice.
Important Reminder!
This Sunday, April 26th, after Mass at St. Agnes according to the Extraordinary Form at 3 PM, the Most Reverend James Vann Johnston will meet with those who attend the Extraordinary Form for a Q & A. Be there!
Monday, February 23, 2009
March 8 Mass
On March 8th, there will be no Extraordinary Form Mass offered at St. Agnes Cathedral. Please mark your calendars and make appopriate arragements to attend Holy Mass elsewhere. Those intrested in attending the Extraordinary Form are invited to email me for more information.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Ft. Leonard Wood Gregorian Chant Conference Update
God willing, this Saturday on the premises of Ft. Leonard Wood, a base here in MO for our brave soldiers, I will be giving a conference on Gregorian Chant. I ask for your prayers as the aim of this conference is to implement many of the things envisaged in the "reform of the reform" for the Easter Vigil Liturgy and Mass to be said (sung!!) on the base.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
**URGENT UPDATE**
Beginning the third Sunday in March, Holy Mass according to the Extraordinary Form will be moved from its 7 PM timespot to 3 PM at St. Agnes Cathedral. Please mark your calanders and do all that you can to join us at this new time. When we began at Holy Trinity at 2 PM our numbers showed much promise, lets get back on track!
Friday, January 30, 2009
SSPX, Ecclesia Dei, and the CDWDS
In recent days we have seen the removal of the excommunications of the four bishops of the Society of St. Pius X. Putting aside personal feelings and conclusions regarding the situation of the SSPX, below I present where the SSPX was and where it is now, and what to expect in the future.
In 1988, prior to their Consecration as bishops, Fathers Williamson, Fellay, De Gallareta, and Tisser de Mallerais were suspended a divinis. This meant that although they were Roman Catholic priests, they could not perform any priestly functions. As a result of their Consecration as bishops they were said to have incurred the penalty of excommunication (Laetae Sententiae {automatic}).
Earlier this month, we witnessed the lifting of this decree of excommunication. This means that until the regularization is complete, the Bishops are Roman Catholic Bishops suspended a divinis as are all of the priests, the bishops lacking a mandate.
Unjust cries of schism, a new church, a Lefebvrist Church must now cease as these priests and bishops are just a breath away from regularization.
What to look for in the future? The Remnant reports that in the coming days of February, we will witness the full regularization of the priests and the mandate having been given to the Bishops, their regularization as well.
-----
All over the world, news of this is rocking the ecclesiastical realm. After years and years of utter liturgical, doctrinal and catechetical chaos, the walls of dissent finally seem to be crumbling. In what is almost four short years of this pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI we have seen more progress towards a restoration of the Church than at any point since its freefall into disaster in the early 1960's. On one side, the liberals cry that Pope Benedict XVI is going against everything willed by the Second Vatican Council, forgetting of course that Fr. Ratzinger was an extremely influential peritus at the Council. On the other side traditionalists cry tears of joy (this one included), as years of being sidelined, treated like lepers, and called schismatic are ending fast.
Something rather insignificant on paper, but perhaps the most significant sign of who Pope Benedict XVI is, revolves around one word: We. The Holy Father wishes to revive this essential expression of continuity. Pope Benedict XVI understands continuity, he understands that when he speaks, he speaks in union with every Pope going back to St. Peter, and speaks for every Pope who ever will speak. We know not the motives of recent Popes for speaking in the singular, but those days are over, Deo Gratias.
Pope Benedict XVI needs our prayers like never before. This great man will be persecuted by those within the structure of the Church and countless outside the Church as well. He is slowly reviving a concept of the true Church, outside of which there is no salvation. As the Church prays, so She believes. The Church having been nourished by the Traditional Latin Mass for over a milenia prays this way. The world has no room for a Church founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Most Blessed Trinity, Incarnate Word of God. There is a saying that as the Church goes, so goes the world. We have seen the Church and the world in a downward spiral. We know that the Church will never completely fall, and indeed are witnessing its resurgence as this is written. Perhaps if it should please Our Blessed Lord then, we shall soon witness a resurgence of the world to its former days, when the Church was revered and when man feared God.
God Bless and keep Pope Benedict XVI on the throne for many years to come.
Parts 2 and 3 of this update to come at a later time
In 1988, prior to their Consecration as bishops, Fathers Williamson, Fellay, De Gallareta, and Tisser de Mallerais were suspended a divinis. This meant that although they were Roman Catholic priests, they could not perform any priestly functions. As a result of their Consecration as bishops they were said to have incurred the penalty of excommunication (Laetae Sententiae {automatic}).
Earlier this month, we witnessed the lifting of this decree of excommunication. This means that until the regularization is complete, the Bishops are Roman Catholic Bishops suspended a divinis as are all of the priests, the bishops lacking a mandate.
Unjust cries of schism, a new church, a Lefebvrist Church must now cease as these priests and bishops are just a breath away from regularization.
What to look for in the future? The Remnant reports that in the coming days of February, we will witness the full regularization of the priests and the mandate having been given to the Bishops, their regularization as well.
-----
All over the world, news of this is rocking the ecclesiastical realm. After years and years of utter liturgical, doctrinal and catechetical chaos, the walls of dissent finally seem to be crumbling. In what is almost four short years of this pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI we have seen more progress towards a restoration of the Church than at any point since its freefall into disaster in the early 1960's. On one side, the liberals cry that Pope Benedict XVI is going against everything willed by the Second Vatican Council, forgetting of course that Fr. Ratzinger was an extremely influential peritus at the Council. On the other side traditionalists cry tears of joy (this one included), as years of being sidelined, treated like lepers, and called schismatic are ending fast.
Something rather insignificant on paper, but perhaps the most significant sign of who Pope Benedict XVI is, revolves around one word: We. The Holy Father wishes to revive this essential expression of continuity. Pope Benedict XVI understands continuity, he understands that when he speaks, he speaks in union with every Pope going back to St. Peter, and speaks for every Pope who ever will speak. We know not the motives of recent Popes for speaking in the singular, but those days are over, Deo Gratias.
Pope Benedict XVI needs our prayers like never before. This great man will be persecuted by those within the structure of the Church and countless outside the Church as well. He is slowly reviving a concept of the true Church, outside of which there is no salvation. As the Church prays, so She believes. The Church having been nourished by the Traditional Latin Mass for over a milenia prays this way. The world has no room for a Church founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Most Blessed Trinity, Incarnate Word of God. There is a saying that as the Church goes, so goes the world. We have seen the Church and the world in a downward spiral. We know that the Church will never completely fall, and indeed are witnessing its resurgence as this is written. Perhaps if it should please Our Blessed Lord then, we shall soon witness a resurgence of the world to its former days, when the Church was revered and when man feared God.
God Bless and keep Pope Benedict XVI on the throne for many years to come.
Parts 2 and 3 of this update to come at a later time
Sunday, January 25, 2009
MAJOR post coming soon
This post will deal with
- SSPX Bishops Canoncical Situation (in light of the recent decree nullifying the excommunications)
- Recent developments in some Vatican Offices (Ecclesia Dei especially)
- Recent Developments at the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Story Behind Text of the "Prayer of St. Francis"
Vatican newspaper says prayer for peace attributed to St. Francis was modern creation
By ARIEL DAVID Associated Press Writer
10:26 AM EST, January 23, 2009
VATICAN CITY (AP) — A simple prayer for peace attributed to St. Francis, widely quoted by leaders and cherished by many Christians, probably had nothing to do with the medieval friar.The Vatican's newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, reported this week that the prayer that begins with "Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace," first appeared in France at the start of the 20th century and became popular during World War I.U.S. President Bill Clinton quoted the prayer, attributing it to St. Francis, to greet the arrival of Pope John Paul II in 1995, and captured its appeal for millions of faithful."His prayer, carried to this day in the pockets, the purses, the billfolds of many American Catholics and revered by many who are not Catholics, is a simple clarion to unity," Clinton said as he welcomed the pope at Newark International Airport.
Mother Teresa led the audience in the prayer when she accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and that same year Margaret Thatcher cited it when she took office as Britain's prime minister."I would just like to remember some words of St. Francis of Assisi," she said before quoting: "Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope."But L'Osservatore this week concluded that Thatcher was actually quoting from a French prayer, first printed in a Catholic weekly in 1912.The "Simple Prayer" — as it also is known— was then republished on the front page of the Vatican newspaper in 1916 at the request of Pope Benedict XV, who appreciated its message of peace in the midst of World War I.The exact author remains unknown, but it is written "in the spirit of the saint," said Giovanni Maria Vian, the newspaper's editor.Vian said the prayer was probably attributed to St. Francis because between the two world wars it was popularized by a French Franciscan who printed it on cards with the image of the saint on the back.To church historians and insiders it was no mystery that the peace-loving St. Francis, who lived a life of poverty and preached love for all creatures in 13th-century Italy, was not the prayer's author."Francis spoke the Italian of the 1200s, he didn't use this kind of language," historian Alberto Melloni told The Associated Press. "It's clearly inspired by Franciscan themes, but Francis himself is not the author."Melloni, who teaches the history of Christianity at the University of Modena, said there was no organized "deception" in attributing the text to the saint, but it was popular tradition that made the connection between the prayer and "a feeling of devotion that recalled Francis' figure."
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My comments - It is important to keep in mind then that this prayer is not a product or invention of anything controversial or fringe and thus is free to be used and cherished among those who attend the Ordinary Form as well as those who attend the Extraordinary Form. Musical possibilities for the Extraordinary Form did not cease in 1965. While it is true that much of what was released after that year is not suited for the Extraordinary Form, the text of the Prayer of St. Francis (supplicatory in nature) and the melody (arguably Gregorian in some respects, certainly closer than most modern hymns to this venerable style the Church has as Her own) is in no way to be dispensed because it would be an abuse to include such in the repertoire. Hymns such as this one make a particularly good variance for choirs just beginning with the Extraordinary Form as there are only so many times Ave Verum and Ecce Panis Angelorum can be sung without boredom.
In my personal experience, I stuck hard and fast for nearly a decade as a choir organizer to the pre-1965 musical selections and to a great extent remain in this mindset, however, as willed by the Holy Father, I allow for compatibility where the rubrics of the Mass, and rubrics governing the choir are not dispensed from.
The Prayer of St. Francis then, not belonging to the various fringe movements of the 1960's is a wise choice in my opinion for novice choirs and indeed its melody can be utilized for other choral projects. In the works as a treat for those in Springfield is an Ave Verum to the melody of the Prayer of St. Franicis. We can only hope and pray that other such music that fits the clear cut norms established for the Extraordinary Form continue to pop up in modern choral books so that more continuity and sharing may occur. This is about unity, not division, where it can be had, we must strive for it, where we must hold our ground, we do so, never betraying liturgical and doctrinal principle.
By ARIEL DAVID Associated Press Writer
10:26 AM EST, January 23, 2009
VATICAN CITY (AP) — A simple prayer for peace attributed to St. Francis, widely quoted by leaders and cherished by many Christians, probably had nothing to do with the medieval friar.The Vatican's newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, reported this week that the prayer that begins with "Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace," first appeared in France at the start of the 20th century and became popular during World War I.U.S. President Bill Clinton quoted the prayer, attributing it to St. Francis, to greet the arrival of Pope John Paul II in 1995, and captured its appeal for millions of faithful."His prayer, carried to this day in the pockets, the purses, the billfolds of many American Catholics and revered by many who are not Catholics, is a simple clarion to unity," Clinton said as he welcomed the pope at Newark International Airport.
Mother Teresa led the audience in the prayer when she accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and that same year Margaret Thatcher cited it when she took office as Britain's prime minister."I would just like to remember some words of St. Francis of Assisi," she said before quoting: "Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope."But L'Osservatore this week concluded that Thatcher was actually quoting from a French prayer, first printed in a Catholic weekly in 1912.The "Simple Prayer" — as it also is known— was then republished on the front page of the Vatican newspaper in 1916 at the request of Pope Benedict XV, who appreciated its message of peace in the midst of World War I.The exact author remains unknown, but it is written "in the spirit of the saint," said Giovanni Maria Vian, the newspaper's editor.Vian said the prayer was probably attributed to St. Francis because between the two world wars it was popularized by a French Franciscan who printed it on cards with the image of the saint on the back.To church historians and insiders it was no mystery that the peace-loving St. Francis, who lived a life of poverty and preached love for all creatures in 13th-century Italy, was not the prayer's author."Francis spoke the Italian of the 1200s, he didn't use this kind of language," historian Alberto Melloni told The Associated Press. "It's clearly inspired by Franciscan themes, but Francis himself is not the author."Melloni, who teaches the history of Christianity at the University of Modena, said there was no organized "deception" in attributing the text to the saint, but it was popular tradition that made the connection between the prayer and "a feeling of devotion that recalled Francis' figure."
---
My comments - It is important to keep in mind then that this prayer is not a product or invention of anything controversial or fringe and thus is free to be used and cherished among those who attend the Ordinary Form as well as those who attend the Extraordinary Form. Musical possibilities for the Extraordinary Form did not cease in 1965. While it is true that much of what was released after that year is not suited for the Extraordinary Form, the text of the Prayer of St. Francis (supplicatory in nature) and the melody (arguably Gregorian in some respects, certainly closer than most modern hymns to this venerable style the Church has as Her own) is in no way to be dispensed because it would be an abuse to include such in the repertoire. Hymns such as this one make a particularly good variance for choirs just beginning with the Extraordinary Form as there are only so many times Ave Verum and Ecce Panis Angelorum can be sung without boredom.
In my personal experience, I stuck hard and fast for nearly a decade as a choir organizer to the pre-1965 musical selections and to a great extent remain in this mindset, however, as willed by the Holy Father, I allow for compatibility where the rubrics of the Mass, and rubrics governing the choir are not dispensed from.
The Prayer of St. Francis then, not belonging to the various fringe movements of the 1960's is a wise choice in my opinion for novice choirs and indeed its melody can be utilized for other choral projects. In the works as a treat for those in Springfield is an Ave Verum to the melody of the Prayer of St. Franicis. We can only hope and pray that other such music that fits the clear cut norms established for the Extraordinary Form continue to pop up in modern choral books so that more continuity and sharing may occur. This is about unity, not division, where it can be had, we must strive for it, where we must hold our ground, we do so, never betraying liturgical and doctrinal principle.
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